350x with 250r Forks

[palerider]

Here is a question for Mr ATC or anyone else that has thought about this swap. I have a set of NOS 86R forks that were sent to me by mistake. Long story,,,, I ended up with the R forks and someone else got my X forks. I want to try to use them on my 350x. I know the brake caliper is different. Will the 250r triples work on a 350x frame?? If not do you think the 350x triples could be machined to fit the larger 250r fork tubes. If you compare the two different forks side by side you can obviously see why someone might want the 250r forks over the 350x forks. Just anxious to get my X back together. :D

[Mr. Richard]

the problem is 250r forks have angle built in to them,,, along with the angle of the frame neck ,,, so i am not sure what kinda fork angle you will end up with ,,,,

[palerider]

Thanks for the info Kasey. Do you think it would work? Is that why the forks are longer? Angle of the dangle that is. I am contemplating trying it with an extra 350x triple I have. That way I won't ruin the one I had recently chromed.

[deathman53]

85/86 250r forks are bigger than 350x forks. the angle is in the tripple trees. I don't think you will get this setup to work. Too many different model parts, and the stem bearings are bigger on 85/86 250r's.

[Mr. Richard]

250r forks are 3mm larger in diameter and have more travel,,, you will have to bore stock 350x clamps to work , then your fork angle will be totally different from 350x stock,,,,,

[deathman53]

I forgot about the fork length. I noticed when I put a 350x tripple and 84r front end on my 86 200x it turned from a wheelie machine to kinda planted in the front, nor does it turn as fast, but the suspension upgrade was worth it.

[NOS_350X]

The 250r tripples are raked out much farther than a 350x, in this pic the 3rd trike (red 350x) has 250r forks and tripple's on it. You can see here how much more its raked out.

[palerider]

Cool pic thanks. How much of the rake is in the triple? If the 350x triples were machined for the R forks would it be close to the OEM set up?

[Black Sheep]

first of all DO NOT machine 350X triples to hold 250R forks.
if you do this too much material will be removed from the triple clamps and will weaken them.

The correct way to install 250R forks on a 350X is to machine a 250R triple clamp to hold a 350X steering stem.

additionally while it is true 250R forks are raked out more then 350X fork,s this is really of little concern as far as wheelbase is concerned since 250R forks are trailing, and 350X are leading axels. once installed the front axel will be in almost the exact same spot. (measure from foot peg to axel and if i' remember correctly its about a half inch.) a 1/2" certainly can help a 350X keep the front wheel down. considering how wheelie happy a 350X is, this is not so bad.

the biggest problem with installing 250R forks on a 350X is your turning radius. the forks will hit the gas tank before you get a full radius turn. And you'll need to fashion some kind of turning stop. 350X's are in the front and 250R's are in the back.

[palerider]

Thats the answer I was looking for. I am going to sell the 250r froks and wait til I can pick up another set to complete assembly of the X. Obviously its possible but really whats the point. Thanks for the info. :headbang:

[Black Sheep]

Originally posted by palerider
Obviously its possible but really whats the point. Thanks for the info. :headbang:

well thier is a positive benefit. better suspension...way better suspension. plus stronger tubes. 350X tubes bend a lot easier the 250R's

it all comes down to a trade off. what are you willing to lose and what do you want to gain?

currently my 85 360X project has 250R tubes as does my other X project.

[palerider]

MR ATC are going to use the R triples with the X frame? Would you have any pics of your progress on your project?

[Black Sheep]

Originally posted by palerider
MR ATC are going to use the R triples with the X frame? Would you have any pics of your progress on your project?


yes, i use R triples with the X frame.

like i said all you need to do (or have done) is machine the lower R triple clamp to accept the X stearing stem. (the X stem is thicker then the R)

as for pics i'll see what i can do but in the meantime research the pic forum reguarding 360X project/400X project ect. i think there is a comparison shot.

[denn]

I have a really nice set of 350x forks. They have brand new honda oem fork boots. Just put them on. They really are a nice set. I would trade you the 350x forks for the 250r forks. I understand that they are nos forks, I don't know what you paid for them but I am willing to trade you and give you cash also. I need a set of forks for my 250r. Let me know.


My email is denn1969@peoplepc.com


Thanks Denn

[palerider]

Well I wish you had hit me with this 2 weeks ago. I sold the nos Forks and picked up a used pair of 350x forks. Still haven't gotten them yet... Thanks anyway...